Coat-hanger.



LGBRAGI.

' COA'If HANGER. APPLICATION FILED RAB. 23, 1907.

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I. GERAOL. 00n- HANGER. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 23, 1007, 923,786. Patented June 1, 1909.

8 SHEEN-BEBE"! 2.

9n! NnRIus PITIR: COA'WASHING TGN, 0. c.

I. G-ERAGI, GOAT HANGER. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 83, 1507.

923,786 Patented June 1,1909,

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UNITED STATES llkTENT OFFICE.

IGNATIUS GERACI, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CHARLES LINKINS, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

COAT-HANGER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, IGNATIUS GnRAoI, a citizen of the United States, residing at 'ashington, District of Columbia, have in vented new and useful Improvements in Coat-Hangers, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to coat hangers of the type having characteristics of adjustment which will render it adaptable for use with coats tailored to have either square or more or less drooping shoulders, and is in the nature of an improvement upon the construction of hanger shown and described in my prior Letters Patent No. 839.281, dated December 25, 1906.

In the construction of hanger set forth in the aforesaid Letters Patent the shoulderpieces are formed from blanks of flexible sheet material, which blanks are normally tlat. but are flexed longitudinally when in shape for use, means being provided for maintaining the shoulderrpieces flexed and against collapsing. The present invention differs from the aforesaid construction in that the shoulderpieces are stamped or molded to the desired shape and always maintain such shape.

The invention has for one of its objects to provide a coat hanger made up of a compara-tively few number of parts of simple construction, readily assembled and adjustable in such manner that the shoulderpieces may be easily and quickly adjusted to accommodate coats having square or drooping shoulders, and may also be folded or nested one partly within the other for packing and shipping purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel construction of shoulderpiece having a shell-like form stamped or molded to the proper shape to support the coat in substantially the same manner as it is supported when worn.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means for maintaining the suspension device of the hanger in a true central vertical position relative to the shoulder-pieces whatever may be the position of adjusti'nent of said shoulder-pieces.

The invention has in view other more or less important objects all of which will be clearly brought out in the following detailed description taken in connection with the following drawings, in which Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 23, 1907.

Patented June 1, 1909.

Serial No. 364,199.

Figure l is a rear elevation of one form of coat hanger made in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 8 is. a vertical central section taken transversely through the shoulderpiecesp Fig. 4 is a side elevation showing the shoulder-pieces folded for packing or shipping purposes. Fig. 5 is a detail side elevation of the pivoted ends of the two shoulder pieces looking from the side opposite that shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective View of the hanger showing a slight modification in the adjusting means for the shoulder-pieces. Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the same. Fig. 8 is a central vertical section taken transversely through the pivotal ends of the shoulder pieces. Fig. 9 is a View showing the shoulder-pieces folded for packing or shipping purposes. Figs. 10 and 11 are detail perspective views respectively, of the suspension device and clamping or looking member. Fig. 12 is a rear elevation of a further modification. Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 14 is a detail front elevation of the pivotal ends of the two shoulder-pieces. Fig. 15 is a central transverse vertical section, and, Fig. 16 is a similar section of a further modification of the invention.

Referring first to that form of the inven tion illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the reference numerals 1, 1, designate the shoulder-pieces, which when the hanger is in use are placed within the coat and serve as the supporting means for the latter. Each shoulder'piece is of shell-like form and preferably made from a blank of sheet metal stamped to the desired shape substantially as shown, although they may be made of other suitable stout material having the requisite strength and rigidity, whether stamped or molded to the desired shape.

-During the stamping operation the blanks are flexed longitudinally and properly shaped to best fit the coat and maintain the shoulders thereof in substantially the shape they assume when worn.

Each shoulder-piece is provided at its inner end with a flat upward extension 2, which, as shown, is formed integral with the blank from which the shoulder-piece is made. These extensions 2, are formed at one side only of the shoulder-pieces, the opposite side of said pieces being simple tongue-like projections 3, the upper edges 3, of which lie in substantially the plane of the upper surfaces of the shoulder-pieces 1, or in other words, the upper edges of said tongue-like projections 3, are cut-away to permit the collar portion of the coat to fit up over the same.

The inner ends of the two shoulder-pieces are brought together and overlapped, the flat extensions 2, and tongues 3, of the two pieces overlapping each other as shown, and a hollow rivet l, is then passed through the said extensions and tongues, the opposite ends of the rivet being upset to maintain the parts intact. but at the same time permit of a free pivotal or swinging movement of the shoulder-pieces relative to each other. Over the hollow rivet at, is placed a sleeve the opposite ends of which constitute annular shoulders, against which the inner faces of one of the extensions 2, and tongues 3, may abut, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, in order to maintain the pivotal ends of the shoulderpieces properly spaced or separated.

In order to lock or hold the shoulderpieces in various adjusted positions I have provided a suitable locking device, which in the instance shown consists of a clamp comprising a stem 6, having a head 7, provided with an eye and a fixed shoulder 8, at one end and having its opposite end threaded to receive a thumb-nut 9. Each shoulder-piece extension 2, is provided with an elongated slot 10, which in the instance shown is arranged eccentric to the pivot 4, the slot in one extension. crossing that of the other so as to provide a relatively small clear opening at the point of crossing, through iich opening the stem 6, of the clamping device is passed as more clearly shown in Fig. 3, where it will be seen that the head 7, is located to one side of the outer extension 2, with the fixed shoulder, 8, abutting the same. The thumb -nut- 9, is screwed upon the threaded end of the stem 6, and may be screwed up tight against the inner extension 2, and thus securely clamp both extensions between the shoulder 8, and said nut, or an interposed washer 11, in order to hold the shoulder-pieces in any desired position of adjustment, or the thumb -nut may be loosened to permit the shoulder pieces to be adjusted, or folded in overlapping relation one with the other as shown in Fig. 1-, It will be understood that during the movements of the shoulder-pieces relative to each other, the clamping device will be moved toward and from the pivot 4C, in a right line, the said clamping device always maintaining a true central and vertical position relative to the two shoulder pieces, whatever may be their position of adjustment.

The suspension device for supporting the hanger consists of a strand of wire having a straight portion 12, a right angular extension 13, at one end which freely enters the hollow rivet 4-; a second right angular portion 14, arranged parallel with the extension 13; and a hook l-l. hen in operative position, as more clearly shown in Fig. 3, the extension 13, of the suspension device is located in the hollow rivet 4. and the straight. portion 12, passes freely through the eye in the head 7. of the clamping device, whereby these parts are inter-connected, but at the same time the clamping device is free to slide upon the suspension device, through the medium of the eye in the head 7. The purpose oil this construction is to maintain the suspension device in a true central position relative to the shoulder-pitwes, whatever may be their position, and this I consider one of the important features of the invention. since it provides a. more rigid structure and prevents any rocking movement of the shonlderpieces independent of the suspension device.

In the form of coat hanger illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the shoulder pieces may be adjusted as desired to suit square or drooping sl'ioulders, or they may be tolded,the one partly into the other as shown in l igxshwithout disconnecting any of the parts. The hook 11', of the suspension device. it will be noted by referring to Fig. 3, is locatcd centrally with respect to the length and breadth of the shoulder-picces, hence when suspended the hanger will be properly poised.

The form of hanger illustrated in l igs. 6 to 11, inclusive, is substantially like the form shown in Figs. 1 to inclusive. except perhaps, as to the particular disposition of the. slots in the extensions of the. shoulderpieces, through which the clamping device passes. in this embodiment of the invention the numerals 1f, 15, designate the shoulderpieccs; 10, the extensions; 1? the tongues; 18, the hollow rivet; 19, the clamping dcvice; and 20, the suspension dcvice. All of these parts are the same as the corresponding parts previously referred to and need not be again described in detail. The slots 21, in the extensions it, instead of being arranged eccentric to the pivot or hollow rivet as in the first described form, are, in the modified construction, arranged concentric to the hollow rivet 15%. This construction lacks some of th advantages present in the previously described arrangement, in that the clamping device must be removed from the slots in the extensions when it is desired to fold the hanger as shown in Fig. 5), but otherwise the construction is a desirable one. The extensions 16, are shown as provided with transverse kerfs or projections .32, extending across the slots 21. These are employed to provide for a better grip between the parts when the thumb nut of the clamping device is screwed up tight against the inner extension. Similar ltcrfs or projections may be employed in connection with the form of hanger illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, if desired.

In Figs. 12 to 15, inclusive, I have shown another form of the invention wherein the shoulder-pieces 23, 23, are formed with overlapping extensions 24, and tongues 25, as in the other forms of the hanger already described. The shoulder-pieces 23, are, however, in the instance referred to, shown as being composed of tough leather-board, straw-board or the like and braced against collapsing by means of transverse brace-rods 26, of the type shown and described in my prior patent before referred to. The shoulderpieces. 23, are pivotally connected by means of hollow rivets 27, and braced centrally by a U-shaped metal strap 28, through the legs of which the rivets are passed. The shoulderpieces are held in the various positions of adjustment by means of resilient head and socket fastening devices of common c011- struction, one member 29, of which is attached to one of the extensions 24, and the other members 30, being attached to the other extension 24. It will be apparent that the member 29, may be brought into engagement with either one of the members 30, to effect the various adjustments of the shoulderpieces. The suspension device employed in connection with this form of the invention consists of the ordinary common form of hanger consisting of the arched member 31, located within the shoulder-pieces and the hooked strand 32. This strand has a lateral bend 33, a portion of which passes through co-incident elongated slots 34, 35, in the extensions 24, one of which slots is narrow and the other relatively wide as clearly shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The slots are elongated in order to permit the shoulderpieces to accurately and squarely rest upon the arched member 31.

In Fig. 16, I have shown another slightly modified form of the invention. In this arrangement the numeral 36, designates one of the shoulder-pieces; 37 the extensions; 38, the tongue; 39 the pivots connecting the extensions and tongues; 40, the arched supporting member; and 41, the suspension device which extends straight up from the said member and terminates in an offset hook 42. The extensions 37, are provided with curved or crossing slots like those shown in Fig. 4 or 9, and through these slots extends the stem 43, of the clamping device, the latter being provided with an apertured head 44, and a thumb-nut 45. The part 41, of the suspension device passes freely through the aperture in the head of the clamping device and the operation of adjusting and clamping the shoulder-pieces is accomplished in substantially the same manner as before described in connection with the other forms of the invention shown and described.

While I have herein shown and described &

what I now consider to be the preferred forms of the invention, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact details of construction, except as I may be limited by the terms of the appended claims, as I am aware that changes and additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is 1. A coat hanger comprising two shoulder pieces pivoted at their inner ends, said shoulder pieces each consisting of a blank of sheet material flexed longitudinally and provided at its pivoted end with an upstanding fiat extension, said extensions overlapping each other, means passing through said extensions for locking the shoulder: pieces in different positions. of adjustment, and a suspension device for the hanger.

2. A coat hanger comprising two shoulderpieces pivoted together at their inner ends, each shoulder-piece having a shell-like form terminating at its pivoted end and at one side only in an upward extension, the said extensions of the two shoulder-pieces overlapping each other, and means cooperating with the extensions for locking the shoulderpieces in different positions of adjustment.

3. A coat hanger comprising two pivotally connect-ed shoulder-pieces, each having a shell-like form terminating at its pivoted end and atone side only in an upward extension having a slot, the said extensions of the two shoulder-pieces overlapping each other, means passing through the slot in the extensions for locking the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, and a suspension device for the hanger.

4. A. coat hanger comprising two shoulder-pieces angularly adjustable relative to each other and having overlapping engagement one with the other and crossing slots in the said overlapping portions, and means passing through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the said slots for holding the shoulder pieces in different positions of adjustment.

A coat hanger comprising two shoulderpieces angularly adjustable relative to each other and having overlapping engagement one with the other and crossing slots in said overlapping portions, and clamping means extending through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the said slots forclamping the said overlapping'portions in close facial contact to hold the shoulderpieces in different positions of adjustment.

6. A coat hanger comprising two angu larly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with crossing slots, and freely movable means extending through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the slots for holding the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment.

7. A coat hanger comprising two anguslots and having an apertured head at one larly adjustable shoulder-pieces having over i end and threads on its opposite end, a thumblapping portions provided with crossing slots, freely movable means extending through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the slots for holding the shoulder pieces in different positions of adjustment, and a suspension device for the hanger with which said means has a sliding engagement.

8. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, and a clamping device for holding the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, consisting of a stem extending through said slots and having means associated therewith for causing a close frictional engagement between the said overlapping portions of the shoulder-pieces.

9. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, and a clamping device for holding the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, consisting of a stem extending through said slots and having a head on one end and a thumb-nut on the other end.

10. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, and a clamping device for holding the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, consisting of a stem extending through said slots and having an apertured head at one end and a thumbnut on the opposite end, and a suspension device for the hanger having a portion extending freely through the said aperture in the head.

11. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, a hollow rivet pivotally connecting the shoulder-pieces, a clamping device for maintaining the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, and a suspension device having one end extending into the hollow rivet and another portion in guiding engagement with the clamping device.

12. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, a hollow rivet pivotally connecting the shoulder-pieces, a clamping device extending through the said slots and having an apertured head, and a suspension device having an end portion extending into the hollow rivet and a shank passing freely through the said apertured head of the clamping device.

13. A coat hanger comprising two angularly adjustable shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions provided with elongated slots, a hollow rivet pivotally connecting the shoulderpieces, a clamping device consisting of a stem extending through the'said nut on said stem, and a suspension device having an angular portion at one end extending into the hollow rivet, a hook at the opposite end and an intermediate ofi'set portion passing freely through the apertured head of the clamping device.

l-t. A coat hanger comprising two shoul der-pieces pivoted together at their inner ends, each shoulder-piece having a shelllike form terminating at its pivoted end in an upward extension and a tongue, the said extensions and tongues overlapping each other, and means cooperating with the said upward extensions for maintaining the shoul der-pieces in different positions of adjustment.

15. A coat hanger comprising two shoulderpieces pivoted together at their inner ends, each shoulderpiece having a shell-like form terminating at its pivoted end in a tongue and an upward extension the said ex tensions having crossing slots, a clamping device having a portion extending through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the slots, and a suspension device for the hanger.

16. A garment form comprising two shoul der pieces pivotally connected and adjust able relative to each other, a suspension device for supporting the form, and means for maintaining the shoulder pieces in different. positions of adjustment, said means passing through the shoulder pieces at the pivotal ends thereof and having an eye through which a part of the suspension device freely passes.

17. A arment form comprising two shoulder-pieces having overlapping portions to each other, a suspension device for supporting the form, and a clamping device for maintaining the shoulder-pieces in different positions of adjustment, said clamping device passing through the said overlapping portions of the shoulder-pieces and having a sliding connection with a part of the suspension device.

18. An adjustable and foldable coat hanger comprising two pivotally connected shoulder-pieces each having a shell-like form terminating at its pivoted end in a tongue and an upward extension, and each extension having a curved slot eccentric to the pivot, a clamping device having a portion extend ing through the opening formed at the point of intersection of the slots, and a suspension device for the hanger.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

IGNATIUS GERACI. lVitnesses:

J. JEROME LIGI-ITFOOT, J. GRANVILLE Mavens. 

